Meeting abstract

https://doi.org/10.24869/spsih.2026.208

The Role of the Nurse in a Mobile Psychiatric Team

Danijela Bionda ; General Hospital „Dr. Josip Benčević“, Štampareva 42, 35000 Slavonski Brod, Croatia *
Hrvoje Kožul ; General Hospital „Dr. Josip Benčević“, Štampareva 42, 35000 Slavonski Brod, Croatia
Višnja Petrović ; General Hospital „Dr. Josip Benčević“, Štampareva 42, 35000 Slavonski Brod, Croatia
Kristina Kordić ; General Hospital „Dr. Josip Benčević“, Štampareva 42, 35000 Slavonski Brod, Croatia
Dubravka Ergović ; General Hospital „Dr. Josip Benčević“, Štampareva 42, 35000 Slavonski Brod, Croatia

* Corresponding author.

Abstract

The mobile psychiatric team consists of a medical
doctor specializing in psychiatry, a psychologist,
a nurse/bachelor of nursing, and a person with
lived experience of recovery from mental health
difficulties (peer worker). The team’s work is organized
through field visits to service users in
their homes. Initial discussions about inclusion
in the home-visit program begin already during
the user’s hospitalization. The role of the nurse
/ technician in the mobile team includes contacting
people with mental health difficulties
and members of their families to arrange the
first home visit. Upon arrival at the user’s home,
team members introduce themselves to the user
and family members and explain the goals and
working methods of the mobile team. The user is
given an informed consent form to sign, as well as
documentation for recording and monitoring the
visits carried out. During the home visit, the conversation
is conducted first with the user alone,
and then with members of their family. Special attention is paid to regular use of prescribed medication,
attendance at follow-up appointments,
and administration of depot preparations when
indicated. The level of the user’s personal hygiene
and the cleanliness of the living space are also assessed.
Some users live independently and, due
to the nature of their illness, may have difficulties
maintaining personal hygiene and keeping
their household in order. The nurse/technician
provides education and counseling on the importance
of taking medication regularly, maintaining
personal and environmental hygiene, and
engaging in social activities and contacts, which
play an important role in the recovery process
and in preserving mental health. Over the past
year, the mobile psychiatric team has also been
making regular visits to homes and foster families
that care for people with mental disorders. Foster
caregivers are provided with professional information
and support regarding the correct use of
medication, recognition of early signs of deterioration
in mental state, and appropriate actions to
take in crisis situations.

Keywords

mobile psychiatric team; nurse; home visits

Hrčak ID:

352333

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/352333

Publication date:

15.6.2026.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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